Frema, ADB MD Get Heroes Award

The Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei Opare and the Managing Director of Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) Dr John Kofi Mensah have been awarded the Exemplary Leadership Awards, by the West Africa International Press Limited, publishers of the New West Africa International Magazine.

Mrs Frema Osei Opare, who is Ghana’s first female Chief of Staff was honored with an award for her contribution to Ghanaian politics and as a distinguished professional career.

The Chief of Staff speaking at the event called for a united effort to accelerate the transformation of the economy – to end the dependence on foreign aid.

Mrs. Osei Opare said every Ghanaian needed to buy into the President’s vision of building “Ghana beyond aid” and indicated that ‘Ghana beyond aid’ was not going to be achieved overnight.

The Chief of Staff noted that a solid foundation had been laid with the introduction of initiatives like the “planting for food and jobs” and the “one-district one-factory”, which hinged on utilizing the local resources in each district to propel industrial transformation.

She renewed the call to banks and other financial institutions to bring down the cost of borrowing to enable young entrepreneurs to access loans to establish their own businesses to create wealth and jobs for the people.

Dr. John Kofi Mensah, the Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Bank, who chaired the function, reiterated the need for a change of mindsets and attitudes to make “Ghana beyond aid”, a reality

He said Africa’s development does not rest on aid but on three key pillars, knowledge, entrepreneurship and good governance.

Dr Kofi Mensah said Africa is well endowed by way of natural resource and capacity to be a global super power if only we outgrow the dependency syndrome and unite towards making life better for the people.

Other award winners were Mr. John-Peter Amewu, Lands and Natural Resources Minister, for his relentless fight against illegal mining, Madam Kemi Adeosun, Finance Minister of Nigeria, the late Dr. Alhaji Adamu Iddrisu, Founder of the Global Haulage Company, who was posthumously awarded for philanthropy.

Also awarded were some companies including the Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, Royal Bank, Amenfiman Rural Bank, Akim-Bosoma Rural Bank, Amansie West Rural Bank, Freddy’s Corner, Adonko Bitters, Afro-Arab Microfinance, Al Bakery and the Saint Andrew Senior High School.